By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has warned its personnel against unethical and corrupt practices in the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at a  lecture in honour of late Abubakar Momoh, former Director-General of the Electoral Institute (TEI), from August 2013 to May 2017.

Yakubu, represented by the National Commissioner, and Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, warned that any unethical practice before, during and after those elections would  incur severe punishments under the law.

The theme of the lecture was: “Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for the Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections.’’

Yakubu said the success of any election largely depended on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it.

He advised electoral officers to be guided by the following principles of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, gender and disability sensitive.

He said it was important for electoral personnel to be knowledgeable, skilled and well-equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral process.

“Moreover, the crucial role election personnel play in upholding the integrity of our democratic processes cannot be overstressed.

“The manner, in which they discharge their duties and responsibilities, affects the degree of confidence voters will have in the electoral process which will impact on their participation and turn out,’’ he said.

Yakubu said that to ensure credibility and trustworthiness in elections and build trust among the electorate, INEC had always prioritised the professional development of its election personnel.

He said the commission identified effective and efficient electoral training as the key to unlocking professionalism among election personnel.

“The commission’s involvement in effective training programmes has empowered its staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, in order to strengthen our processes and procedures to serve the interests of all Nigerians,’’ he said.

He said that through training, INEC was able to deepen electoral knowledge and strengthen the skills and competences of personnel over time.

The TEI Director-General, Dr Sa’ad Idris in his remarks, said that INEC in pursuit of its mission and vision had prioritised professionalism toward achieving free, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

“As we prepare for the 2024 Edo and Ondo  off cycle governorship elections, the commission is assured that the outcome of effective training of Election personnel will manifest in the high level of professionalism. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne